Entered for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, imported Fastnet Rock gelding Surefire (GB) staked his claim for spring success with an eye-catching finish to win over just 1400m at Rosehill on Saturday.
Having his first start since finishing unplaced in the Sydney Cup on a bottomless heavy track, the Chris Waller trained Surefire showed a brilliant turn of foot to surge home and win by a length for James McDonald.
Group III placed last time, Surefire was a three time winner in the UK before coming to Australia and has the overall record of five wins and two placings from just nine starts and is obviously a horse going places.
“Obviously he’s a very talented horse and has a good spring ahead of him and to do it like that first up over 1400m was very good,” said Chris Waller, who later indicated the Caulfield Cup was the prime spring target.
“He lost a bit of form at the end last time when it was so wet as did a lot of horses as it takes away their brilliance.
“I’d like to see him this preparation at 2400m or even a bit further this time and he could be winning some big races.”
Surefire races for a partnership of Waller stable clients and his breeder Juddmonte Farms in whose colours he runs.
A half-brother to Group winner Button Down and stakes-winner Platitude, Surefire is one of seven winners from stakes-winner Modesta, a half-sister to Group I winning champions Reams of Verse and Elmaamul as well as the dam of champion mare Midday.
Surefire is not a stakes-winner yet, but looks as though he will be by the end of spring!
